Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regret that I do not have the figures the Deputy sought but I understand the Central Statistics Office will be happy to liaise with him on any further data it might be able to provide to him. It was incumbent on the office to answer the question asked but it would be happy to provide further information.

I agree that we must ensure particular supports are available to disadvantaged groups and minorities in society who have traditionally not participated fully in education.

In my constituency, an integrated Traveller programme for the county will be launched shortly, to which we have all been invited. It is very important for Members to be aware of this point of view for and, on behalf of groups of which the Deputy speaks, to be part of the progress they wish to make and to assist and help them in every possible way, given the difficult circumstances many of them are in. However, I will pass on the Deputy's comments to the Ministers concerned and to the Central Statistics Office.

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